Starlift takes Steel, SVG Players takes Glitter

The hosting of Steel and Glitter was up in the air leading into the climax of Vincymas 2024 as challenges caused by the passage of Hurricane Beryl cast uncertainty on the festival staple.

Originally scheduled for Thursday July 4, the show had to be pushed back to Sunday July 7, 2024, and followed the Calypso Finals.

The event saw a number of hiccups on the night, including heavy showers and a power outage caused by a thunderstorm.

It was around 1 am when the first senior Steel Orchestra began setting up on stage.

Sion Hill Steel Orchestra was the first of four to perform, and they opened with ‘Ooh La La’ by Becket, arranged by Terrance ‘BJ’ Marcell.

The 2023 winners, Hennesy Starlift Steel Orchestra were up second to do ‘Puss Man’, by Touch, with arranger Dante Pantin at the helm.

Symphonix Steel Orchestra performed ‘Pan Jam’ by X-A-Dus, and arranged by Jomorro Francis.

Elite Steel Orchestra also performed a Becket number, ‘Don’t Eat and Lie Down’, arranged by Kesslon Wilson.

Starlift claimed the first place, Sion Hill Steel Orchestra took second spot, and Symphonix Steel Orchestra came in at number three.

Starlift’s arranger, Dante Pantin told SEARCHLIGHT that Hurricane Beryl, and the water and electricity outages compromised rehearsal schedules.

“There was no electricity at the Pan yard for some days, and we did not know if the event was still on, off, cancelled, or postponed. Those unknowns took a toll on our vibe and momentum leading up. All in all, we stuck it out, faced the challenges, and came together with a strong enough force to cop another one.”

Dantin, who is a Trinidadian national, said a contingent from Proman Starlift also travelled from the two-island Republic to be a part of the competition.

This year’s selection, he said, was a follow up on the 2023 selection ‘Big Bottom’, both of which proved to be favourites with patrons at Victoria Park.

“I am honoured by the experience yet again and, of course, thankful to Hennesy Starlift for allowing me the opportunity to express my feelings and ideas in the form of a Panorama arrangement,” Pantin said.

Also part of the Starlift team were drill master, Marc Brooks; drummer, Leason Jacob; and music distribution, Michael Joseph.

In the Sections of the Band competition, SVG Players International presenting ‘ Mas on the Parkway!’ won the top spot; High Voltage presenting ‘Grenada’, came in at number two; and Imaginations Mas Band with ‘Enjoying the moonlight’ took the third position.